Brazilian military junta of 1930

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Not to be confused with Brazilian military junta of 1969.
The Brazilian military junta of 1930. Clockwise: General Augusto Tasso Fragoso, Admiral José Isaías de Noronha, and General João de Deus Mena Barreto.

The Brazilian military junta of 1930 was a provisional military junta that governed Brazil from 24 October – 30 November 1930 at the end of the Revolution of 1930.

The First Brazilian Republic was dominated by an interstate oligarchy that manipulated elections and handpicked the Brazilian presidency. This oligarchy, between Minas Gerais and São Paulo, was broken when President Washington Luís[a] nominated Júlio Prestes to succeed him. Backed by military rebels, Minas Gerais responded by forming the  [pt] with Paraíba and Rio Grande do Sul, which nominated Getúlio Vargas for the presidency. When Prestes won the March 1930 election, the Alliance claimed electoral fraud and orchestrated an armed revolution beginning on 3 October 1930. In Rio de Janeiro, then capital of Brazil, Generals Augusto Tasso Fragoso and João de Deus Mena Barreto,[b] along with Admiral José Isaías de Noronha, decided Luís had to be removed from the presidency to prevent a civil war in the country.

With help from archbishop Sebastião da Silveira Cintra in persuading the President to resign, Luís was ousted in a coup by the military leaders, who took control of Brazil as a provisional governing body on 24 October. While the junta claimed to be the sole authority of the country, its jurisdiction did not extend past Rio de Janeiro. While the junta considered retaining power, it eventually acquiesced to revolutionaries on 3 November 1930, transferring power to Vargas after he arrived in Rio.

Background[]

Main articles: 1930 Brazilian general election and Brazilian Revolution of 1930
See also: First Brazilian Republic
Campaign poster for Vargas
Campaign poster for Prestes

Throughout the First Brazilian Republic, the presidency was interchanged every election between politicians of the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo.[1] This was due to a system called "coffee and milk politics", wherein the two states — being the most economically advanced in Brazil — would exercise their power to manipulate elections in their favor, concentrating power in the two states. This effectively made the country an oligarchy.[1] This system was opposed by tenentes (English: lieutenants) in the military, but their attempted revolts throughout the 1920s proved unsuccessful.[2]

This tradition was broken when, in 1929, paulista President Washington Luís nominated paulista Júlio Prestes as the next president of the country, allowing a paulista to become president twice in a row rather than exchanging the position with Minas Gerais.[3] This move was opposed by the states of Minas Gerais, Paraíba, and Rio Grande do Sul, who, backed by the tenentes, created the  [pt] and nominated Getúlio Vargas for the presidency.[3] The coalition wanted reform, calling out below-average working conditions of women and children, advocating the adoption of a national Labor Code, and supporting education, hygiene, diet, housing, and recreation.[4][5]

Celebrations in wake of the Revolution of 1930

In March, Prestes won the 1930 election against Vargas, but the alliance claimed electoral fraud.[3] This was despite there being accounts of fraud on both sides, with Vargas reportedly having won Rio Grande do Sul 298,627 to 982 votes.[6] On 26 July 1930, Vargas' running mate João Pessoa was assassinated  [pt], revitalizing a revolutionary climate among the opposition (although Pessoa's death was attributed to private and public affairs).[7] Eventually, the mounting tension between the two factions resulted in a successful revolution instigated by Vargas and his allies in the country beginning on 3 October 1930 while Luís was still in power.[3] With aid from the tenentes, the revolution had a strong military presence, being backed by state militas in the South, Belo Horizonte, and the Northeast.[8] The majority of the population – including the educated members of society – supported the revolution, all believing the election was an attempt to maintain the paulista's power.[9]

As Central-West railway workers went on strike and the people of Recife, Pernambuco, turned against their government, revolutionaries swiftly took control of the Northeast under the command of  [pt].[10] As a whole, the revolution was under the command of  [pt].[7] There was minor resistance to the revolution in Minas Gerais. In São Paulo, the Democratic Party (PD), who had supported Vargas, was to abstain from any revolutionary activity.[10]

The Junta[]

Washington Luís (pictured here in 1926) was ousted by military commanders who would establish the junta.

Capitulation of Luís[]

Luís was determined to stay in office so that he could transfer power to Prestes. However, the generals opposed this, fearing that a "bloodbath" would be caused by his continued presence, leading to a civil war.[3][11][12] In the days leading up to the removal of the President, Colonel Bertholodo Klinger and other young officers sought to influence General João de Deus Mena Barreto into favoring revolutionaries in what would be a military coup in the capital.[12] Barreto asked Augusto Tasso Fragoso and the chief of the Army's staff, Alexandre Henrique Xavier Leal, whether they wanted to participate in the movement. While both men declined the offer, Fragoso was persuaded to join by one of Barreto's sons on the morning of 23 October 1930, meeting with him at Fort Copacabana.[12]

Luís resigned on 24 October 1930, following the advice of Brazil's archbishop, Cardinal Dom Sebastião da Silveira Cintra. Following this, Fragoso and Barreto, alongside José Isaías de Noronha (who had held a variety of naval-related positions leading up to the junta),[13] took control, led by Fragoso.[3][14][15][16][17] Luís would be taken to Fort Copacabana and would leave Brazil for exile a few days later.[16][9]

A major rebel offensive was supposed to occur on the Paraná–São Paulo border but was delayed due to bad weather from 20—24 October.[16] However, the attack, already in progress by 25 October, was called off when the rebels heard of the coup in the capital.[16][17]

Government[]

The three members of the military junta together. From left to right: Noronha, Fragoso, and Barreto.

Fragoso, Barreto, and Noronha declared themselves a ruling junta, claiming to exist as a "pacifying junta" with a "moderating power",[18][8] despite the fact that the territory they controlled was limited to Rio de Janeiro.[15][19] Initially, the generals attempted to remain in power, appointing a new minister of war, chief of police, and governor of São Paulo. This proved unsuccessful, however; due to popular demonstration, increasing pressure from troops entering the capital, and the opposition of Vargas, the government held talks with Oswaldo Aranha and Tavora on 28 October to arrange a new government.[20][10][17][18][19] Additionally, the junta's governor of São Paulo was very unpopular. Backlash to the Governor, General  [pt], was so high that protests erupted in São Paulo.[21]

On 24 October, the junta, specifically Barreto as "General of Division", released a proclamation, or manifesto. Barreto was also the only junta member who signed the document alongside  [pt] as adjutant. They began by pronouncing, "The Brazilian nation is anxious for peace."[22] They went on to reveal that they believed it was "absolutely necessary to halt the useless spilling of blood and the usless destruction of property, which on either side would be Brazilian blood and Brazilian property."[22] They also listed guidelines for Brazilian troops, ordering revolutionaries and federal troops to cease fighting and to ignore any order from the previous government, which they denounced several times.[22]

Revolutionaries were surprised at the coup, as it had been done without previous notice. Vargas, in charge of the revolution, telegraphed on 24 October:[21][16]

I am on the São Paulo border with thirty thousand men perfectly armed and acting in combination with the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Minas Gerais and the north, not to depose Washington Luis, but to realize the program of the revolution...I am merely a transitory expression of the collective will. Members of the junta of Rio de Janeiro will be accepted as collaborators but not directors, since these elements joined the revolution at the time when its success was assured. Under these conditions, I will enter with the southern forces into the state of São Paulo, which will be occupied by troops I can trust. We will arrange the trip to Rio [de Janeiro] later. It is unnecessary for me to say that the march upon São Paulo and the subsequent military occupation is merely to guarantee military order. We have no desire to antagonize or humiliate our brothers from this state, who deserve only our esteem and appreciation. Before beginning our march for São Paulo tomorrow I want to hear any proposals that the junta may wish to make.

The junta responded to the messages on 27 October, declaring that they would await the arrival of Vargas for any further action to be taken in arranging the government of Brazil.[16] Several more telegrams would be exchanged between Vargas and the junta.[12]

Appointments[]

Appointments made by the military junta[21]
Name Position Previous position
General  [pt] Minister of War Member of the Army Promotions Commission and Judge of the Military Justice Council[23]
Colonel  [pt] Chief of Police of the Federal District Barreto's chief of staff[12]
General  [pt] Military governor of São Paulo (until 28 October 1930)[24] Commander of federal forces opposing rebels on the São Paulo–Paraná border (Revolution of 1930)

End of the junta[]

Vargas and the military junta. From left to right (beginning with the figure in the black suit and tie), Noronha, Barreto, Vargas, Fragoso, and Klinger.

Transition of power to Getúlio Vargas[]

Further information: Vargas Era

Vargas claimed he would only arrive in Rio de Janeiro when it was occupied by Rio Grande do Sul troops. Consequently, from 27 October through 31 October, 3,000 Rio Grande do Sul troops would enter and secure the capital.[16] After disembarking on the morning of 31 October, Vargas and his comrades arrived in Rio the same day via train and, in a gesture of power, hitched their horses to the obelisk at the foot of Avenida Rio Branco, a famous Brazilian landmark.[12][19][25][10][20] This was an act of symbolism of regional victory.[10] Vargas would arrive at the Catete Palace the same day; he received massive praise.[18] The junta handed power over the country to Vargas "peacefully"[26] on 3 November 1930 at the palace, ending their reign over Brazil and beginning Vargas's presidency.[19][25]

Additionally, the transition of power marked the official disbandment of the First Brazilian Republic.[25] Vargas's provisional government was made legitimate by decree 19,398 on 11 November 1930 (establishing the Provisional Government of the Republic of the United States of Brazil), and decree 19,395 on 8 November provided amnesty to all persons involved in the Revolution of 1930.[27][28]

Aftermath and legacy[]

The individual members of the junta, Noronha, Fragoso, and Barreto, were memoralized on an early 1930s composite postcard photograph containing the images of leaders of the Revolution of 1930.[29] Barreto would be the first junta member to pass away, dying on 25 March 1933. He would be followed by Fragoso on 20 September 1945, and Noronha, the last living junta member, would die on 29 January 1963.[30][31][13]

All three members of the junta would go on to hold further political office. Barreto would be appointed federal intervenor for Rio de Janeiro in 1931, Minister of the Supreme Military Court the same year, and, finally, a mediator in the 1932 Constitutionalist Revolution between São Paulo and the federal government.[30] Fragoso became chief of the  [pt] under Vargas, but resigned the next year. In 1933, he would be appointed Minister of the Supreme Military Court (as Barreto was two years prior) and became vice president of the organ in 1934. Fragoso retired in 1938 and became devoted to historical research.[31][32] Noronha would become the Minister of the Navy under Vargas, though he would be dismissed in December 1930. Afterward, he became president of the Naval Club ( [pt]) in 1931 but resigned in 1932, saying he would be transferred to reserve even though he would be reelected many times until 1937. Noronha was retired in 1941.[13]

See also[]

List of rebellions and revolutions in Brazil

Notes[]

  1. ^ Washington Luís's name is also spelled Washington Luíz.
  2. ^ João de Deus Mena Barreto's name is also spelled João de Deus Menna Barreto.

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b Meade 2010, p. 123.
  2. ^ Roett 1992, p. 22.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f Skidmore 1999, p. 107.
  4. ^ Green, Langland & Schwarcz 2019, p. 325—326.
  5. ^ Levine & Crocitti 1999, p. 156.
  6. ^ Fausto & Fausto 2014, p. 187.
  7. ^ Jump up to: a b Fausto & Fausto 2014, p. 188.
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b Reid 2014, p. 78.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b Edwards 2008, p. 52.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Fausto & Fausto 2014, p. 189.
  11. ^ Clayton, Conniff & Gauss 2017, p. 311.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f "Revolução de 1930: 75 anos". Assembleia Legislativa do Estado de São Paulo. 21 October 2005. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  13. ^ Jump up to: a b c "José Isaías de Noronha; Biografia". Presidência da República. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  14. ^ Levine 1970, p. 4.
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b Hill 1947, p. 109.
  16. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g Young 1967, pp. 66–69.
  17. ^ Jump up to: a b c Bourne 1974, p. 45.
  18. ^ Jump up to: a b c Bourne 1974, p. 46.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Skidmore 1999, p. 108.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b "Revolução de 1930". Getulio Vargas Foundation. Retrieved 22 June 2021.
  21. ^ Jump up to: a b c Young 1964.
  22. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Text of Brazilian Junta's Proclamation". New York Times. 25 October 1930.
  23. ^ Pechman, Robert. "JOSE FERNANDES LEITE DE CASTRO". Fundação Getulio Vargas. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  24. ^ "Governadores do Estado de São Paulo". Assembleia Legislativa do Estado de São Paulo. 21 September 2012. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  25. ^ Jump up to: a b c Levine 1970, p. 1.
  26. ^ Andrade Tosta & Coutinho 2016, p. 35.
  27. ^ "DECRETO Nº 19.398 DE 11 DE NOVEMBRO DE 1930". Presidência da República. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  28. ^ "DECRETO Nº 19.395, DE 8 DE NOVEMBRO DE 1930". Presidência da República. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  29. ^ Levine & Crocitti 1999, p. 160—161.
  30. ^ Jump up to: a b "João de Deus Menna Barreto; Biografia". Presidência da República. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  31. ^ Jump up to: a b "Augusto Fragoso; Biografia". Presidência da República. Retrieved 15 May 2021.
  32. ^ Bourne 1974, p. 53.

Sources[]

  • Andrade Tosta, Antonio Luciano de; Coutinho, Eduardo F. (2016). Brazil. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-61069-257-1.
  • Bourne, Richard (1974). Getulio Vargas of Brazil, 1883—1954 Sphinx of the Pampas. London, England: C. Knight. ISBN 978-0-85314-195-2.
  • Clayton, Lawrence A.; Conniff, Michael L.; Gauss, Susan M. (2017). A new history of modern Latin America. Oakland, California: University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-28902-4.
  • Edwards, Todd L. (2008). Brazil: a global studies handbook. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1-851-09995-5.
  • Fausto, Boris; Fausto, Sergio (2014). A Concise History of Brazil (Second ed.). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9-781-107-63524-1.
  • Green, James N.; Langland, Victoria; Schwarcz, Lilia M. (2019). The Brazil reader: history, culture, politics. Duke University Press. ISBN 978-0-8223-7092-5.
  • Hill, Lawrence F. (1947). Brazil. Berkeley, California: University of California Press.
  • Levine, Robert M. (1970). The Vargas regime: The critical years, 1934-1938. New York: Columbia University Press.
  • Levine, Robert M.; Crocitti, John J. (1999). The Brazil reader: history, culture, politics. Duke University Press. ISBN 978-0-822-32290-0.
  • Meade, Teresa A. (2010). A Brief History of Brazil. Infobase Publishing. ISBN 978-0-8160-7788-5.
  • Reid, Michael (2014). Brazil: The Troubled Rise of a Global Power. Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-16560-9.
  • Roett, Riordan (1992). Brazil: Politics in a Patrimonial Society; Fourth Edition. Westport, Connecticut: Praeger.
  • Skidmore, Thomas E. (1999). Brazil: Five Centuries of Change. United States: Oxford University Press.
  • Young, Jordan (1964). "Military Aspects of the 1930 Brazilian Revolution". Hispanic American Historical Review. 44 (2): 180–196 – via Duke University Press.
  • Young, Jordan M. (1967). The Brazilian revolution of 1930 and the aftermath. New Brunswick, New Jersey: Rutgers University Press.
Political offices
Preceded by
Washington Luís 		Head of State and Government of Brazil
1930 		Succeeded by
Getúlio Vargas
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